‘Ikale Tahi team announced [1]
Wednesday, May 23, 2018 - 16:17. Updated on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - 21:51.
The Tonga Rugby Union have announced the ‘Ikale Tahi team to play in this year’s 2018 Pacific Nations Cup.
The 30-man squad sees the return of veteran flyhalf Kurt Morath and the new arrival of former Otago Highlanders captain Nasi Manu.
Six new arrivals to debut for ‘Ikale Tahi: number 8 Nasi Manu (Treviso), winger Penikolo Latu (University of Waikato), former Waratahs prop David Lolohea, prop Vunipola Fifita (Australia U20’s), winger Sione Fifita (Counties Manukau) and winger Viliami Lolohea (Tasman).
Head coach Toutai Kefu will be aided by a new assistant coach Pita Alatini.
The tournament begins on 9 June with Tonga playing Georgia in Suva, Fiji.
‘Ikale Tahi Team List
Prop, Siegfried Fisi’hoi (Stade Francais)
Prop, David Lolohea (West Harbour Pirates)
Prop, David Feao (Narbonne)
Hooker, Sione Lea (Taranaki)
Hooker, Paula Ngaumo (Agen)
Hooker, Sefo Sakalia (Rugby Steaua)
Prop, Siua Halanukonuka (Glasgow)
Prop, Vunipola Fifita (South Magpies)
Prop, Paea Fa’anunu (Castres)
Lock, Sitiveni Mafi (Castres)
Lock, Leva Fifita (Waikato)
Lock, Joe Tu’ineau (DAX)
Lock, Dan Falefa, (US Colomiers)
Backrow, Mike Faleafa (Perpignan)
Backrow, Valentino Mapapalangi (Leicester Tigers)
Backrow, Fotu Lokotui (Countries Manukau)
Backrow, Maama Vaipulu (Castres)
Backrow, Nasi Manu (Treviso)
Halfback, Sonatane Takulua (Newcastle Falcons)
Halfback, Suke Tuumotooa (NEC Green Rockets)
Flyhalf, Kurt Morath (Utah Warriors)
Flyhalf, Latiume Fosita (Counties Manukau)
Flyhalf, George Taina (Tonga A)
Centre, Siale Piutau (Bristol Bears)
Centre, Nafi Tu’itavake (Northampton Saints)
Wing, Sione Fifita (Counties Manukau)
Wing, Penikolo Latu (Waikato University)
Wing, Cooper Vuna (Bath)
Wing, Viliami Lolohea (Tasman)
Fullback, David Halaifonua (Gloucester)
Coaching Staff
Head Coach, Toutai Kefu
Assistant Coach, Grant Doorey
Assistant Coach, Pita Alatini
Assistant Coach, Sam Ward
Team Manager, ‘Inoke Afeaki
Assistant Team Manager, Tony Alatini
Team Doctor, Peni Poloniati
Physiotherapist, Leevan Santos
Physiotherapist, Siosaia Vaksiuola
Athletic Peformance Coach, Semisi Fonua
Athletic Performance Coach, Matt Blair
Analyst, Joh Fifita